When choosing the right university, students often compare various factors such as cost, admissions, academics, and outcomes. In this in-depth comparison, we will be examining two well-established universities: ISU (School 1) and RIT (School 2). Our analysis will cover a range of topics to help prospective students make an informed decision about which institution best suits their needs and goals.
ISU Overview
Iowa State University (ISU) is a public research institution located in Ames, Iowa. Established in 1858, ISU has a long history of providing high-quality education and research opportunities. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple disciplines, including engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, ISU strives to create a welcoming environment for all students.
ISU Costs & Tuition
The cost of attendance at ISU is an important consideration for many students. For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state undergraduate students can expect to pay $9,320 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students will pay $25,312. Students should also budget for additional expenses such as housing, meals, and books. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with approximately 80% of first-year students receiving some form of financial assistance.
ISU Admissions
Admission to ISU is moderately competitive. In 2020, the university had an acceptance rate of 91%, with an average high school GPA of 3.61 for admitted students. The middle 50% of admitted students had ACT scores between 22 and 28, and SAT scores between 1120 and 1360. ISU evaluates applications holistically, considering factors such as academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities.
ISU Degrees Offered
ISU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across its various colleges. Students can choose from over 100 majors, including popular programs in engineering, agriculture, business, and life sciences. The university also offers numerous graduate programs, with master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees available in various fields.
ISU Academics
Academic excellence is a cornerstone of ISU’s mission. The university is known for its strong programs in engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine. ISU is also committed to interdisciplinary research and collaboration, fostering innovation and creativity among students and faculty. With a student-faculty ratio of 19:1, students can expect personalized attention and support in their academic pursuits.
ISU Diversity
ISU is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse campus community. The university has a number of programs and resources aimed at supporting students from various backgrounds, including the Multicultural Student Affairs office, the LGBTQIA+ Student Success Center, and the Women’s and Gender Resource Center. In Fall 2020, approximately 23% of the undergraduate student body identified as a member of a racial or ethnic minority group.
ISU Students
ISU has a vibrant and active student community, with over 800 student organizations and clubs to cater to a wide range of interests. From academic and professional organizations to recreational sports and cultural clubs, students can find numerous opportunities to connect with their peers and develop their leadership skills outside of the classroom. In addition to on-campus activities, the university also offers study abroad programs, internships, and research opportunities to further enrich the student experience.
ISU Campus
The ISU campus, located in Ames, Iowa, spans over 1,800 acres and features a mix of historic and modern facilities. Students can enjoy the picturesque campus with its beautiful landscaping and green spaces. The university also offers a range of on-campus housing options, dining services, and recreational facilities to help students feel at home during their time at ISU.
ISU Alumni
ISU boasts an extensive alumni network, with over 250,000 alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include Nobel Prize winners, astronauts, and business leaders in various industries. The university offers career services and resources to help students and alumni advance their professional goals and stay connected to the ISU community.
ISU Rankings
ISU consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, ISU was ranked 53rd among public universities and 118th overall in the National Universities category. The university’s engineering program is also highly regarded, ranking 37th among undergraduate engineering programs at public universities.
ISU Outcomes
ISU prides itself on preparing students for successful careers and leadership roles. According to the university’s 2020 First Destination Survey, 94% of ISU graduates were employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for bachelor’s degree recipients was $50,204.
RIT Overview
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a private research university located in Rochester, New York. Founded in 1829, RIT is known for its strong focus on career-oriented education and experiential learning opportunities. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple disciplines, including engineering, art and design, and computer science. RIT is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries.
RIT Costs & Tuition
Tuition and fees at RIT for the 2021-2022 academic year are $52,460 for undergraduate students. Additional costs for housing, meals, and books should also be considered. Approximately 96% of first-year students receive some form of financial assistance, with the average financial aid package totaling $23,000.
RIT Admissions
RIT has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 70% in 2020. Admitted students had an average high school GPA of 3.8, while the middle 50% of students had SAT scores between 1210 and 1410 and ACT scores between 27 and 32. RIT values a well-rounded application, considering factors such as academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities.
RIT Degrees Offered
RIT offers a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its nine colleges. Students can choose from over 90 undergraduate majors, with popular programs in engineering, computer science, business, and art and design. RIT also offers numerous master’s, doctoral, and professional degree programs in various fields, as well as online and continuing education options.
RIT Academics
RIT is recognized for its strong focus on career-oriented education and experiential learning opportunities. The university emphasizes innovation, creativity, and hands-on learning in its academic programs, offering students the chance to engage in research, internships, and co-ops. RIT’s student-faculty ratio is 13:1, ensuring that students receive personalized attention and support from their professors.
RIT Diversity
RIT is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse campus community. The university offers a variety of programs and resources to support students from different backgrounds, including the Division of Diversity and Inclusion, the Multicultural Center for Academic Success, and the International Student Services office. In Fall 2020, approximately 24% of the undergraduate student body identified as a member of a racial or ethnic minority group.
RIT Students
The RIT student community is active and engaged, with over 300 student organizations and clubs available to cater to a wide range of interests. Students can participate in academic and professional organizations, cultural clubs, recreational sports, and more. RIT also provides numerous opportunities for students to gain international experience through study abroad programs and international internships.
RIT Campus
RIT’s suburban campus is situated on 1,300 acres in Rochester, New York. The campus features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art labs, classrooms, and studios, as well as a variety of on-campus housing options and dining services. Students can also enjoy the campus’s recreational facilities, such as the Gordon Field House and Activities Center, and explore nearby attractions in the Rochester area.
RIT Alumni
RIT boasts a strong alumni network, with over 135,000 alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include leaders in various industries, such as graphic design, engineering, and technology. RIT’s Office of Career Services and Co-op provides resources and assistance to help students and alumni advance their professional goals and maintain connections to the RIT community.
RIT Rankings
RIT consistently ranks among the top national universities in the United States. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, RIT was ranked 104th among National Universities. The university’s engineering program is also highly regarded, ranking 75th among undergraduate engineering programs at schools that offer doctoral programs.
RIT Outcome
RIT emphasizes career-focused education and hands-on experience, preparing students for success in their chosen fields. According to the university’s Class of 2020 Career Outcomes Report, 95% of RIT graduates were employed or enrolled in further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for bachelor’s degree recipients was $62,217.
ISU vs RIT Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending ISU and RIT, there are a few key differences to consider. For in-state students, ISU’s tuition and fees are significantly lower at $9,320 compared to RIT’s cost of $52,460. Out-of-state students will pay $25,312 at ISU, which is still less than half of RIT’s tuition and fees.
However, it’s important to factor in financial aid packages, which can greatly reduce the overall cost of attendance. Both ISU and RIT offer financial assistance to eligible students, with the average financial aid package at RIT being slightly higher at $23,000 compared to ISU’s average package of $9,000. This may help close the gap in costs for some students.
ISU vs RIT Admissions Difficulty
ISU and RIT both have competitive admissions processes, although RIT is more selective with a 70% acceptance rate compared to ISU’s 91% acceptance rate. The average high school GPA and test scores of admitted students are slightly higher at RIT, indicating that the admissions process at RIT might be more rigorous. However, both universities value a well-rounded application and consider factors beyond just academics, such as extracurricular activities and personal qualities.
ISU vs RIT Academic Difficulty
Both ISU and RIT offer challenging academic programs, with a strong emphasis on research and experiential learning. The universities are known for their engineering programs, among other disciplines, and both have a commitment to innovation and creativity in their academic offerings. RIT’s curriculum might be considered more rigorous due to its focus on career-oriented education and extensive hands-on learning opportunities, while ISU’s academic environment might be slightly less intense. However, both universities provide support and resources to help students succeed academically.
ISU vs RIT Outcome Comparison
ISU and RIT both boast impressive outcomes for their graduates, with high employment and further education rates within six months of graduation at 94% for ISU and 95% for RIT. The average starting salary for bachelor’s degree recipients is higher at RIT, with graduates earning an average of $62,217 compared to ISU’s average of $50,204. This difference in starting salary may be attributed to RIT’s strong focus on career-oriented education and experiential learning, as well as the university’s location in a more urban and economically vibrant area compared to ISU’s more rural setting.
